The UAS Leaders
July 29, 2025
Cincinnati – In an era when diversity and innovation lead the charge for global corporations, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has made a significant move with the appointment of Shailesh Jejurikar as its President and CEO. Set to take the helm on January 1, 2026, Jejurikar’s appointment marks a historic milestone as the first Indian-origin individual to lead the multinational giant in its 187-year history.
In his own words, Shailesh Jejurikar believes, “Future leaders need to be learning leaders,” a philosophy that underscores his commitment to continuous growth, adaptability, and the nurturing of talent within P&G. This mindset is expected to shape the company’s future, ensuring that P&G remains not only a market leader but also a dynamic, learning-driven organization.
What does this leadership change mean for P&G’s future? Let’s delve into the career journey, future plans, and challenges awaiting Jejurikar as he steers the company into a new chapter.
Life and Career Journey: From Mumbai to Cincinnati
Born in Mumbai, India, Shailesh Jejurikar’s professional journey is a testament to perseverance, strategic thinking, and global leadership. After completing his B.A. in Economics from Mumbai University in 1987 and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, Jejurikar began his career at P&G in 1989. Initially serving as an assistant brand manager in India, he took on personal healthcare brands like Vicks and skincare.
His leadership traits were nurtured early in life, during his school days. As the Head Boy in 12th grade, Jejurikar learned a critical leadership lesson that has guided him throughout his career: “Never to ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself.” This lesson, grounded in humility and integrity, has remained a cornerstone of his leadership style and decision-making.
Over the years, Jejurikar rose through the ranks, holding senior roles across P&G’s business units, including Health & Beauty Care, Fabric & Home Care, and P&G Professional. His leadership extended across diverse markets spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In 2019, he was appointed CEO of the Fabric & Home Care division, P&G’s largest business sector, overseeing iconic brands like Tide, Ariel, and Febreze.
Since 2021, Jejurikar has been P&G’s Chief Operating Officer, managing Enterprise Markets and a wide array of operational functions like IT, sales, purchasing, and new business development. His focus on both operational excellence and consumer-driven innovation has made him a standout leader within the company.
His Future Plans: Focusing on Sustainable Growth and Agility
As Shailesh Jejurikar steps into his new role as President and CEO, he is expected to implement P&G’s “Integrated Growth Strategy,” which focuses on three key priorities:
- Portfolio Optimization – Jejurikar plans to refine P&G’s brand portfolio to concentrate on high-growth markets and categories, with potential divestitures and strategic exits to ensure the company’s long-term profitability.
- Supply Chain Efficiency – By enhancing supply chain agility, Jejurikar intends to drive cost-effective operations, balancing the need for growth with operational discipline.
- Organizational Agility – Jejurikar is committed to building an adaptive organization that can swiftly innovate and respond to evolving consumer needs and market shifts.
His leadership will also place emphasis on driving P&G’s global sustainability goals, integrating environmental and social impact into everyday business practices. With his extensive experience in emerging markets, Jejurikar is poised to tap into growth opportunities in regions like India, where P&G has seen increasing demand for consumer goods.
Future Challenges as P&G’s President & CEO
Despite his track record of success, Jejurikar’s transition to CEO won’t be without its challenges. Leading P&G in a rapidly changing global environment requires navigating multiple complex hurdles:
- Volume Growth and Economic Uncertainty – With P&G experiencing slow growth in many product categories, Jejurikar will need to address subdued consumer demand, particularly amidst rising costs and economic instability.
- Tariff Pressures – The ongoing impact of global tariffs, especially on materials sourced from China, has made production costs more expensive. Jejurikar will need to mitigate these challenges while safeguarding profitability.
- Organizational Restructuring – P&G is undergoing a large-scale restructuring initiative aimed at optimizing its portfolio and supply chain. Jejurikar will lead this transformation while balancing the need for innovation with operational efficiency.
- Macroeconomic and Political Instability – With geopolitical tensions, inflation, and consumer uncertainty in key markets like the U.S., Jejurikar’s leadership will be crucial in stabilizing the company during volatile times.
- Cultural Expectations – As the first Indian-born CEO of P&G, Jejurikar will likely face increased scrutiny, particularly regarding cultural dynamics and leadership expectations within a traditionally American-led company.
- Investor Pressures – With stakeholders looking for consistent growth, Jejurikar must assure investors of P&G’s direction and execute strategies that bolster both long-term growth and shareholder value.
Shailesh Jejurikar: A Man Building Leadership Legacy
Shailesh Jejurikar’s rise to P&G’s top position is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the company’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and sustainability. His career trajectory has demonstrated not only leadership excellence but a deep understanding of global markets, business transformation, and consumer needs.
While the challenges ahead are formidable, Jejurikar’s strategic vision, combined with his experience and people-first leadership style, is set to reshape P&G’s future. As the company focuses on agility, sustainability, and market expansion, Shailesh Jejurikar is positioned to lead the company through a new era of growth, innovation, and societal impact.
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